CHAPTER 10 BUILDING MARRIED LIFE

In 1962, Leries graduated as a Nursing Administrator. Since then, she has been a mission officer working at the Bandung Adventist Hospital, just like Perry. Now, both of them are mission officers working at Adventist Hospital. When Perry started working as an employee at the Adventist Hospital, Bandung, he was assigned as Central Supply Supervisor, then Leries was assigned as Kitchen and Diet Therapy Supervisor. They both became supervisors, a rare thing for newly graduated nurses.

In the busyness of their respective duties, their dating relationship continues, getting closer to each other, and understanding each other's nature and circumstances more and more. They didn't encounter any significant problems during their dating period, they were always able to overcome them together. They both finally agreed to get married as soon as possible so that they could continue their service careers as missionary nurses.

For this plan, they began consulting with parents in Bandung, pastors, and leaders at Adventist Hospital. They stated their intention to form a household, with very minimal financial resources. These parties then encouraged Perry and Leries to get married, even in a simple way according to their abilities. The suggestions provided were very valuable for Perry and Leries. They also expressed their readiness to help according to their abilities.

While preparations continued, news from their hometown had also come to them from their respective parents, expressing their approval. They also reported that the settlement of related customs had been completed well in the village, without Perry and Leries having to be present. This encouraged them both to take care of everything related to the implementation of the marriage.

Despite the limitations, Perry took care of the marriage registration at the Civil Registry office at the Bandung City office. They set the wedding date as February 20, 1963. They then visited friends and acquaintances to express their decision to marry and ask for their help. They were both determined to carry out their marriage without having to owe anyone, including the place where they worked. The most important thing, according to them, is that the marriage be carried out officially, legally, even though it is not luxurious.

During this preparation period, a unique story was hidden that they will always remember. At that time Perry went to meet a friend, a rice seller near the train station. Perry said that they would get married. The friend then gave him a burlap sack of rice weighing 100 kg. He said that Perry didn't need to pay for it, because the rice was a favor for their wedding.

Happy to receive the rice aid, Perry immediately took it to one of Perry's good acquaintances, the pastor's wife Mrs. Tan Peng Hong, and said "we are going to get married, auntie has to cook the food, so all we can do is provising this one sack of rice." Then auntie asked back, "How many invitations do you have?" Perry answered, "At most just 300, auntie" The auntie spontaneously said, "How can this much rice be enough?" Perry then casually answered, "Yes, that's exactly it, auntie. I came here because I knew that auntie might be able to help." While confused, the auntie finally said, "OK fine, I will make special fried rice." Perry then happily said that it's up to you whether you want to make porridge, it's up to you, the important thing is that auntie helps us. And in the end what was made was fried rice.

Finally, with God's help, the wedding between Perry and Leries was held in Bandung on February 20, 1963, without the parents of both parties attending. The implementation of their wedding was fully supported by the leaders of RSA Bandung, friends, family in Bandung, and friends and acquaintances in Bandung. They are determined not to forget their kindness, help and assistance, including material, moral and effort assistance as well as advice and guidance to carry out this marriage well and with full happiness.

These include Rev. A. P. Mamora, a lecturer at the Indonesia Union Seminary, who acted as Perry's parents in Bandung. His advice during that time was very valuable for Perry. Ex. Rev. R. I. Sarumpaet, who also provided instructions and advice, so that the marriage could be carried out well. Rev. A. L. Lesiasel, Head of the West Java Adventist Mission Region at that time, led and carried out the blessing. Colonel Sitorus, for his help, in allowing the Adjutant General's building for Perry and Leries to use as a wedding reception venue. Dr. Jess C. Holm, Director of Bandung Adventist Hospital and family who fully supported the marriage. Also not to be forgotten is the assistance of Mr. Barber, Manager of Indonesia Publishing House, who acted as the bride's "driver", and Mrs. Barber as the bride's decoration. In particular, Perry and Leries are also grateful and thankful to Mrs. Tan Peng Hong, who acted as a caterer providing food at the wedding reception. Also to the Congregation Council Jl. Naripan, which has given them the GMAHK Naripan Church, is used as a place for marriage blessing services.

There are many more friends and companions who fully support them in various things that Perry and Leries cannot mention one by one, and without their help and assistance it would not be possible for their marriage to take place. May God reward each of them with this kindness. Blessed be the name of God for all their goodness.